Mark Don McInnes Sandpoint Realty 208-255-6227

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  • North Idaho Driving

    North Idaho Driving

    Driving safely in North Idaho takes a bit more attention to the surroundings than in most other states.  North Idaho from Sandpoint to Bonners Ferry and even further north to the Canadian Border is basically a two lane highway.   And while there are the same hazards no matter the season, inclement 

    Sandpoint Realty - Driving Safely

    weather definitely calls for extra focus and attention.  Highway 95 is the main highway from Sandpoint to Bonners Ferry.  There are driveways, roads, business’s bordering.  60 mph in both directions, with good visibility, can be difficult when wanting to enter traffic.  Even more demanding of ones attention is if someone ahead is turning left and there is no room to go around.  Last second signals create havoc to all especially those who may be tailgating.  Poor weather can add to the dangers but certainly not always the cause of accidents. 

    Sandpoint Realty - Safe Driving

    Add to all this another item not common in most other states.  Deer, moose, even wild turkeys crossing the roads.  4 wheel drive does not equal better stopping ability.  Ice, and snowy slush, is very unforgiving.

    Sandpoint Idaho winter driving

    This is not meant to be critical of drivers whether local or out of area.  It is strictly a reminder that with the large influx of people moving into our area we must be more cognizant of the hazards of driving.  I would also like point out I am always impressed with our Highway Department and the fantastic job they do keeping up with the snow and ice on the roads.  Very impressive.  

    Watch short Sandpoint Realty ‘Wednesday Word’ video on North Idaho Driving.

    ‘Experience the Difference’ in working with a full time Professional Idaho REALTOR®.  Your wants and needs will always be my priorities.  

    Mark Don McInnes

    Broker – REALTOR®

    208 255-6227

    SandpointNorthIdaho.com – North Idaho Home & Land Searches

    Sandpoint Realty LLC

    1205 Highway 2

    Sandpoint, Idaho 8386

     

  • Sandpoint Realty ‘Monday Motivation’ – January 24, 2022

    Sandpoint Realty ‘Monday Motivation’ – January 24, 2022

    Sandpoint Realty - Monday Motivation

    ‘Monday Motivation’ this week can apply to much more than just being a hero.  One’s goals, projects, successes. 

    ‘Experience the Difference’ in working with a full time Professional Idaho REALTOR®.  Your wants and needs will always be my priorities.  

    Mark Don McInnes

    Broker – REALTOR®

    208 255-6227

    SandpointNorthIdaho.com – North Idaho Home & Land Searches

    Sandpoint Realty LLC

    1205 Highway 2

    Sandpoint, Idaho 8386

  • ‘Monday Motivation’ Sandpoint Realty – November 22, 2021

    ‘Monday Motivation’ Sandpoint Realty – November 22, 2021

    ‘Monday Motivation’ starts us off into this Thanksgiving week ahead and the Holidays beyond.  Appreciate all that is around you and take a moment for a second look. 

    Sandpoint Realty - Monday Motivation

    ‘Experience the Difference’ in working with a full time Professional Idaho REALTOR®.  Your wants and needs will always be my priorities.  

    Mark Don McInnes

    Broker – REALTOR®

    208 255-6227

    SandpointNorthIdaho.com – North Idaho Home & Land Searches

    Sandpoint Realty LLC

    1205 Highway 2

    Sandpoint, Idaho 8386

  • ‘Friday Flag’ Sandpoint Realty LLC – November 12, 2021

    Sandpoint Realty LLC - Friday Flag

    ‘Friday Flag’ this week is found at Bonners Ferry Veterans Memorial Park.  You have seen many photos of the large flag flown daily.  On special occasions the walkways are lined with our USA Flags.  The large granite stones to the right of the walkway name and give honor to all the Boundary County citizens who gave the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our country.

    Thank you Bonners Ferry City for proudly flying Old Glory.

    ‘Experience the Difference’ in working with a full time professional REALTOR®.  Your wants and needs will always be my priorities.  

    Mark Don McInnes

    Broker – REALTOR®

    208 255-6227

    SandpointNorthIdaho.com – North Idaho Home & Land Searches

    Sandpoint Realty LLC

    1205 Highway 2

    Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

  • Home Price Appreciation Decelerating?

    Home Price Appreciation Decelerating?

    When looking at home price appreciation it is important to be cognizant of the difference between ‘deceleration’ vs stopping. 

    Sandpoint Realty LLC - Home Price Appreciation

    Much the same as driving a car.  Easing off the gas pedal does not mean you are stopping your forward progress.  You have merely slowed the pace at which you are traveling.  Many times saving having to slam on the brakes.

    If home appreciation were to slow to around 10%, from the present 18% plus, year over year it would still be approximately twice the 25 year average of roughly 5%.  Even in a high performance car one can not keep the gas pedal to the floor constantly.  

    Looking to purchase or sell North Idaho Real Estate?  Questions where the market is now and where it may going? Contact me to discuss answers that best pertain to your specific situation.  

    ‘Experience the Difference’ in working with a full time professional REALTOR®.  Your wants and needs will always be my priorities.  

    Mark Don McInnes

    Broker – REALTOR®

    208 255-6227

    SandpointNorthIdaho.com – North Idaho Home & Land Searches

    Sandpoint Realty LLC

    1205 Highway 2

    Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

  • Home Interest Rates Remain All Time Lows

    Home Interest Rates Remain All Time Lows

    Sandpoint Realty LLC - Home Interest Rates

    With interest rates nudging above 3% many are showing concerns of where the housing market will go.  Proper perspective on interest rates will show that even between 3% to 4% we are far far below what interest rates have shown themselves at for decades.  

    This market is still showing wonderful opportunities for sellers and buyers alike.  Contact me for any questions you may have regarding how interest rates may be affecting you as a possible buyer or seller of Real Estate in North Idaho. 

    ‘Experience the Difference’ in working with a full time professional REALTOR®.  Your wants and needs will always be my priorities.  

    Mark Don McInnes

    Broker – REALTOR®

    208 255-6227

    SandpointNorthIdaho.com – North Idaho Home & Land Searches

    Sandpoint Realty LLC

    1205 Highway 2

    Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

  • Will End of Forbearance Bring Sandpoint Foreclosure Flood? NO

    Will End of Forbearance Bring Sandpoint Foreclosure Flood? NO

    In North Idaho one can go to many different sources and research questions concerning the possible Flood of Foreclosures that many, mostly the uninformed public, continue to bring into conversations, with the end of forbearance nearing .  The stated flood of foreclosures on the horizon is just not going to happen. 

    Sandpoint Realty LLC - October Home Inventory

    The above chart is but one indicator the housing market is much different than that of the housing crash in 2008.  2008 and 2010 showed Home Inventory at 1 year levels and today the national average is roughly 3 months.  Many areas, such as Sandpoint North Idaho, being far less than that.  

    Another item relating directly to this is the actual number of mortgages actually still in forbearance.  There are, as of Friday October 29, 2021, 1,221,000 mortgages in forbearance.  The predicted number at the beginning of the program was 9.3 million.  Of the mortgages still in forbearance 93% have at least 10% equity.  That equity allows for choices and options that just were not there during 2008.

    Do you have concerns about possible foreclosures putting pressure on our Sandpoint North Idaho housing market?  Please do contact me and I would be happy to discuss any of your concerns from both the buyer and seller side.

    ‘Experience the Difference’ in working with a full time professional REALTOR®.  Your wants and needs will always be my priorities.  

    Mark Don McInnes

    Broker – REALTOR®

    208 255-6227

    SandpointNorthIdaho.com – North Idaho Home & Land Searches

    Sandpoint Realty LLC

    1205 Highway 2

    Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

  • Custom Priest River Idaho Ranch Home on 15 acres with Creek! SOLD

         Turned out to be a very good day for both the buyer and seller of this special Priest River Idaho Ranch home.  With delays in appraisal the closing date had already been moved once.  Signing was moved to Friday July 2, 2021.  All knew if everything did not get done by early afternoon Friday it would not be until Tuesday for Recording.

    Sandpoint Realty LLC - Priest River Home & Acreage Sold

       While seemingly not a long time, it would have seemed an eternity for the buyers who were living out of an RV with full family and dogs.  The sellers had been working hard for a month and every building was cleared out and cleaned.  It turned out the Priest River Ranch Home recorded on Friday afternoon.  Please buyers and relieved sellers would start this 4th of July weekend embarking on a new chapter in their lives.

    Sandpoint Realty LLC - Priest River Mini Ranch Creek SOLD

         This good ending was the result of a good team working together along with others understanding the importance of good communication, a sense of urgency, and keeping the finish line as the important factor.  Thank you Lynette with North Idaho Title for your continued hard work and being part of the Sandpoint Realty LLC team,  Amy Lightbody with NextHome Living, of course the buyers and sellers for all their hard work and patience.  And I would be remiss were I not to thank Rain Silverhawk of Sandpoint Realty LLC, my most trusted and appreciated partner pictured above, left, with Mike and Ann.  

     ‘Experience the Difference’ in working with a full time professional REALTOR®.  Your wants and needs will always be my priorities.  

    Mark Don McInnes

    Broker – REALTOR®

    208 255-6227

    Sandpoint Realty LLC

    1205 Highway 2

    Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

  • 6 bedroom 2,676 sq. ft. Sandpoint Idaho Home for Sale

     Sandpoint Idaho Home for Sale

    Sandpoint Idaho Realtor Mark Don McInnes with Keller Williams Sandpoint

    Large 2,676 sq. ft. home on 1/2 lot in the highly sought after Sandpoint Community of Syringa Heights.  If you missed ‘Saturday Spotlight’ this week presented by Mark Don McInnes Realtor®, with Keller Williams Sandpoint, this home was highlighted.  Click here to see the short YouTube Video of 306 Syringa, Sandpoint Idaho 83864.

    306 Syringa Heights, Sandpoint Idaho 83864 Mark Don McInnes

    Along with the 6 bedrooms there are a couple nice additional features, one being the new wiring and plumbing which allows for installation of a kitchenette on the lower level.  Must view this home in person to fully appreciate.

    ‘Experience the Difference’ in working with a full time professional Keller Williams Realtor®.  Contact me for more information or to set up showing.

    Listing Courtesy Karen Rodriquez of Keller Williams Sandpoint.

    Mark Don McInnes – Associate Broker

    Keller Williams Sandpoint

    120 South Second Avenue

    Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

    Affiliate Keller Williams Coeur D’Alene

  • Congratulations to New Keller Williams Sandpoint Agent – Cindy Kramer

    Keller Williams Realty Sandpoint

    This past Saturday I met with Cindy Kramer at Keller Williams Realty Sandpoint office.  Cindy is a new Real Estate Licensee and researched what agency she felt she would fit best with.  We had communicated a few times about her joining Keller Williams Sandpoint.  She had decided to do so and had most of the paperwork signed and filled out.  With initial classes and training coming this week, at Keller Williams Coeur D’Alene, Cindy still had many questions.  I like questions.  They can show one many things just beyond the questions themselves, so I happily met with Cindy at our Keller Williams Sandpoint office.

    I have to say right now, CONGRATULATIONS CINDY!  A big Kudos on a few different levels.  First with Covid-19 paralyzing many people you not only made it through Real Estate school but chose to continue on.  Snap decisions are often made, straight out of school, as to where one will work.  Cindy asked many intelligent questions prior to us even meeting at Keller Williams Sandpoint office. 

    A couple key items helped with the final decision.  The Education that is available to any agent at Keller Williams.  More than 50% of that being free.  Keller Williams named #1 in training 3 years, and keep in mind that is against all companies, not just Real Estate Companies.   Secondly the culture of Keller Williams attracted her.  A giving company, with founder Gary Keller, always putting the agents as the priority.  That expands out from top to bottom.  From within company to clients.  

    And third was the pay.  Not only what would be received with the first commission check but what possibilities lay ahead with consistent efforts.  I must chuckle when thinking back at my Keller Williams decision.  Many touted the pay and the company to be a pyramid scheme and that I would surely regret my decision.  I am still with a company that is #1 Agent based in the United States, #1 with number of transactions, and #1 in volumn.  The hat trick.  

    Again Cindy, congratulations.  Your questions and demeanor lead me to feel very strongly your Real Estate successes are but around the corner.  I am pleased to have been part of your decision making process.  Thank You.  

    “Experience the Difference in working with a full time professional Keller Williams agent.  Contact me for any North Idaho Real Estate questions or any questions you might have in possibly starting your Real Estate career.   

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